Hot cars can quickly become deadly traps for children and pets, as studies have shown that temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels in as little as an hour. The recent tragic death of a three-year-old boy in Vicksburg serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot cars. With 20 hot-car deaths of children reported in the country this year alone, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to prevent such tragedies.
According to Kids Car and Safety, an organization dedicated to child well-being around vehicles, the majority of children who die in hot cars are age 3 or younger, and most of these incidents occur when a forgetful but otherwise loving and responsible parent or guardian leaves the child in the car unintentionally. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Association warns that a child’s body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult’s, making them more susceptible to heatstroke and death when left in a hot car.
Automakers have started to integrate technology to help prevent hot car deaths, such as rear-seat reminders that alert drivers to check the back seat before exiting the vehicle. However, advocates like Kids Car and Safety believe that more needs to be done to address this issue and prevent further tragedies. In the meantime, there are several life-saving suggestions that parents and caregivers can follow to avoid leaving a child in a hot car:
1. Always check your car before locking the doors to ensure no child or pet is left inside.
2. Place a diaper bag or toy on the front seat as a visual reminder that your child is in the car.
3. Develop a habit of opening the back door every time you park your car, regardless of whether your child is with you.
4. Request that your childcare provider call immediately if your child does not arrive as expected.
5. Keep vehicles locked at all times, especially at home, and store car keys out of reach of children.
If you ever see a child locked in a car on a hot day, do not hesitate to call the police immediately. It is crucial to act quickly in such situations to prevent a tragedy from occurring. By following these simple yet life-saving suggestions, we can all work together to ensure the safety and well-being of children and pets in and around vehicles. Let’s make sure that no more lives are lost due to hot cars.